According to a story in The Oregonian, an Oregon man tragically lost his life near Depoe Bay on Wednesday after being swept out to sea by a wave during an unusually high tide, known as a "king tide," police reported.
This marks the second fatality in Oregon linked to a king tide in the past month.
The victim, identified as 45-year-old Hong B. Su of Happy Valley, was fishing on the rocks near the shoreline at Otter Crest Loop when a sudden wave pulled him into the ocean around 2 p.m., according to Oregon State Police spokesperson Kyle Kennedy.
Rescue efforts were made by the U.S. Coast Guard and Oregon State Police, but Su was pronounced dead shortly after being recovered by the Coast Guard, Kennedy stated. He had been in the water for approximately 39 minutes.
A similar tragedy occurred on Dec. 15, when Joseph Neill, a photographer from North Bend, went missing while attempting to capture images of a king tide near Jordan Point, across the bay from North Bend. His body was recovered three weeks later, police said.
King tides, which are extreme high tides that occur when the sun, moon, and Earth align, can pose significant risks along the Oregon coast. To stay safe during these events, experts advise avoiding rocky areas near the water’s edge, as large waves can strike suddenly and sweep people into the ocean. It is crucial to maintain a safe distance from the shoreline and to avoid standing on wet rocks, which can indicate where waves have recently reached.
Additionally, visitors are encouraged to check tide charts before heading to the coast and to wear lifejackets if engaging in activities near the water. Always keep an eye on the ocean and never turn your back to the waves, as sneaker waves can occur without warning. For photographers and others drawn to the beauty of king tides, observing from elevated and secure locations is recommended to prevent accidents.
